After absolutely loving Whiskey Business, the first book in this series, I went into Elliot Fletcher's Scotch on the Rocks with incredibly high hopes. Perhaps my fondness for Mal and April's story in the previous installment skewed my expectations, but I'm genuinely sad to report that this one just didn't work for me.

I struggled to connect with the main couple in this one. Their will-they, won't-they dynamic felt like it went in circles, and I found myself wishing for more forward momentum in their journey. I kept waiting for that spark, that moment where I'd truly root for them, but it just never quite landed. Ultimately, I just didn't have as much fun with their story as I did with the previous book, which felt so effortless and charming.

This installment fell pretty flat. I've been trying to figure out why, but it's hard to put my finger on it. Maybe the stakes didn't feel high enough, or the character motivations weren't fully landing for me. So, while it wasn't my cup of... well, scotch, I don't want to totally put others off! If you're into quick reads, love a good Scottish backdrop, and are all about those second-chance romance vibes, you might still enjoy Scotch on the Rocks. But for me, it just didn't reach the amazing heights of the first book.

Thank you to Avon, Harper Voyage and NetGalley for allowing me to review the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I have a dirty little ARC reading secret: I got approved for this book like, four full months ago. And I downloaded it and have waited for the perfect time to read it - because I just KNEW it was going to be a five star read, and I wanted to pull it out when I needed it the most.

📕 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Scotch on the Rocks by Elliot Fletcher

📙 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀: The Macabe Brothers character series. Book 2.

📗 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘀: E-book ARC on Kindle. Courtesy of NetGalley.

📘 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗿𝗲: Contemporary romance

📔 𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘀: Brother's ex, frienemies-to-lovers, all the banter, black cat/golden retriever.

📖 𝗦𝘆𝗻𝗼𝗽𝘀𝗶𝘀: Callum has been in love with Juniper since he met her on a train - but then promptly found out he was six months too late, since she'd been dating his brother. Years later, he's still pining and she's just getting back to feeling like herself. But a little forbidden romance never hurt anyone.

🌟 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄: One thing I love is when a book is so much more than it's tropes. And yes, this was an excellent black cat/golden retriever story. It was perfectly done brother's ex. But June and Callum were so much more than that as the pages turned.

Whiskey Business was worth all of the hype. It was THAT good. Scotch on the Rocks was a completely different vibe, but I loved it all the same. This one is for the readers who absolutely love a man down bad. A man who has been watching, fixing, caring for his woman from afar for about a decade. It's also for the readers who are full of vulnerable doubt about themselves - because you will see yourself in Juniper.

Everything about this book was perfect. The banter was hilarious. The spice was perfect. The Scotland backdrop was so beautiful you could almost smell the cool sea air as you read. I still can't believe these are Elliot Fletcher's first books - they're an absolute pleasure to read, and I am on pins and needles waiting for announcement of the next one.

If you haven't checked out Whiskey Business, make sure you do - it was one of my favorite books of 2024.

𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 

𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹: 3/5 🌶🌶🌶

𝑰 𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒆𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒅 𝒂𝒏 𝑨𝑹𝑪 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝒊𝒏 𝒆𝒙𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒂𝒏 𝒉𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘.

I loved this book so much! The romance, tension (soo much tension and yearning) and banter was so fabulous and the demon cat was the best. Callum falls first and really works to woo her which was nice to see especially because Juniper is prickly about love after being abandoned by all who have claimed to love her before from family to friends to her fiancé. I do wish I had read the first book in the series even though this was a standalone. My only problem was that things did get repetitive in places and it stalled the plot.

This book really hit the spot for what I was looking for and if you like Scottish romance definitely give this a try!!

Rating: 4.5 ⭐️

These Macabe brothers really just know how to pull on your heartstrings! Callum was such a happy and fun guy, and seeing him banter with Juniper was great–especially when she held her own against him!

Juniper Ross was a black cat hiding a soft, gooey center and I loved her so much! I could relate to her anxiety in a way because she always felt like people were going to leave her. It was emotional for me to read because I could relate to her, but it was also so great to watch her learn more about her feelings and how to control them as the story went on. She and Callum always had their banter, and it was great to see them keep that throughout the story, even when their relationship took an unexpected turn towards romance. I loved watching Juniper find her way in this story!

Callum Macabe is the oldest Macabe brother, and to the outside world he’s the fun-loving, eternally happy veterinarian, but he was hiding a lot more under the surface. It was great to watch Juniper be the one who saw the real Callum even despite her not being his biggest fan for the first half of the book. Callum only let his guard down around Juniper, and it was great to see him find someone he could be his true self with during the story. He was so weak for Juniper and hid that so well from her, but he was determined to make her his during this story, and it was great to watch Callum take something for himself for once.

These two had hilarious banter, but they also had a whole lot of emotional, heartwrenching moments. I loved watching them bond on a deeper level, and watching them learn more about each other during the story as they got closer. They never lost their banter, even after getting into a romantic relationship, and I love that it just added to their relationship more. Seeing Juniper and Callum become a couple was absolutely amazing, and I can’t wait to see what the final Macabe brothers story will bring us!


Thank you, Elliot, Avon/Harper Voyager, and Netgalley, for providing me with an ARC!

Ooooooh but I loved this book. No notes.

What to expect:
• black cat FMC and with literal black cat as pet
• down bad MMC
• ex-fiancé’s brother
• Callum showing total eldest daughter, people pleaser tendencies
• caretakers letting others care for them
• heartbreaking backstory for Juniper
• so many scenes with Mal and April (from Whisky Business aka book 1) that take place between their main story and epilogue
• a spicy kilt scene
• something called shinty which I guess is like field hockey?

Overall amazing and I can’t wait for that pissant Alastair to redeem himself in book 3 (hopefully).

CW/TW: dementia, abandonment, terminal illness, grief, death of parent, bullying

The second book in the Macabe Brothers series. Black cat/golden retriever slow burn romance. Having feelings for your brother’s ex-fiancé makes things complicated. Emotions run high. And heads up… this one is pretty steamy.

Thanks to Avon and Harper Voyager for this ARC in exchange for my honest review. Watch for Scotch on the Rocks to come out July 8, 2025.

I loved the writing style, and the characters were so well rounded.

But at times, I couldn’t get past the brother ex element. The plot is great, but would have loved to have seen a more gradual relationship development.

An okay read

Taylor song: Untouchable

“But you’re untouchable, burning brighter than the sun, and now that you’re close I feel like coming undone”

4.5/5⭐️

Wow! What a great follow up to Whisky Business. The banter! The chemistry! The pining! All top notch as expected from Elliot Fletcher. I felt like the pacing was great, and the touch-and-go aspect of their relationship, something I usually lose patience with in a book, makes perfect sense and worked really well.

Juniper had a fantastic personal character arc, and I loved watching her grow throughout the book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Scotch on the Rocks delivers a steamy Scottish small-town romance full of forbidden attraction. Juniper Ross knows she shouldn’t even think about Callum Macabe—her ex’s brother and the local hero who keeps rescuing her when she’s most vulnerable. Callum has been crazy about June for years, but she’s always been off-limits.

Callum and Juniper have chemistry in spades, the banter is sharp, and the setting is charmingly Scottish. Read this if you like opposites attract, forbidden love, small town romance, and heroes who can’t help but break the rules for love.

Holy highland cow! This book was so good. I enjoyed watching Juniper and Callum grow from frienemies to lovers. The back and forth witty banter was chefs kiss. The micro tropes and themes were beautifully represented, found family, self love, caregiving, brothers ex, and sunshine x blackcat. The spice was spicing 🌶️🌶️🌶️ out of 5.

I was really excited for this second book in the Macabe Brothers series set in Scotland but sadly it just didn't hit for me the way I was hoping. I'm not sure what exactly it was that didn't work for me but the second chance, brother's ex-fiancee Scottish romance was just okay for me. I didn't love the narrators (although the accents were fire) but whatever it was this was just an okay read for me. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and audio copy in exchange for my honest review.

I LOVED Whisky Business, so I was thrilled to see where Juniper and Callum's story would go. The character-building and romance trajectory were fabulous here, as always, though I think April and Mal's brand of romance is more for me. I still thoroughly enjoyed my time on Skye with the Macabe family.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Scotch on the Rocks - The Macabe Brothers #2
by Elliot Fletcher

Callum sees Juniper from afar and makes a decision to meet her right away. He gives it his best, but it's too bad that she is in a relationship. Imagine his surprise when his brother turns out to be her fiance! Fast forward several years, they both are living in their hometown and are forced to see each other on occasion. Juniper is not a fan of the Macabe brothers after the end of her engagement to one of them. She and Callum have also had some heated moments over the years that keep the animosity churning. And Callum, he's still pining for her after all these years. Juniper decides to do some secret remodeling of her family's inn while her mom is away, which leads to disaster. The only person able to save her, yup, Callum!

These two are perfect for each other. We do get a bit more drama in this book, as she is his brother's ex-fiance. There is alo a bit of family turmoil on both sides. But it all adds to the story to make it that much better!

Did I spend my 4th of July reading this book? Yes, and I have zero regrets!!! I had just finished Whisky Business earlier this morning, and I couldn't wait to jump back into this series. I can't wait for Alistair's book. I feel like he's kind of been the villain, and he deserves a good redemption arc. I'm with other reviewers, too. Heather needs her own story!

I received an ARC of this book, but these opinions are my own. I would like to thank the author, Elliot Fletcher, Harper Collins, and Net Galley for allowing me the privilege of reading her work. ❤️

I’m always a little apprehensive about starting a siblings ex/ex’s sibling trope because the potential ick factor is high, but I took a chance on this one because I really enjoyed Whisky Business, which I think set Callum up really well for this story, and Fletcher did not disappoint. I loved the background on Juniper and Callum, and really enjoyed their story and how it was approached (no ick!)
—
Thank you Avon & Harper Voyager & NetGalley for this complimentary ARC - all thoughts are my own! 📚 Publishers release date 7/8/2025

Back to the Isle of Sky in book 2 of the Macabe Brothers series! Many thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins Publishing for a copy of Scotch on the Rocks in exchange for an honest review.

THE CHEMISTRY 🔥🔥🔥 Callum and Juniper brought the banter and the HEAT! The book was vibrant and held my attention - it’s the kind of book that grabs you from the first page and doesn't let go until you've devoured every last word. The emotional depth, the witty banter between our MCs, and the push/pull between them to FINALLY just admit their own feelings and get together! The plot comes together at the end to create something truly special, and I can’t wait to see what comes next!

I really enjoyed the Scottish island setting and so many fun characters - some we knew from book one and some new ones too! - and the humor was fantastic 👌🏻

Definitely recommended this, you don’t want to miss it!

Tropes:
💕 black cat/golden retriever
💕 ex-fiancé's brother
💕 enemies to lovers
💕 age gap
💕 hero falls first
💕 slow burn

Scotch on the Rocks is the second book in the McCabe Brothers series, and wow!! 🤩😍 I haven’t read the first book (Whiskey Business) yet, but after falling completely in love with these characters, I’m absolutely going back to read it!
This was such a fun and swoony slow-burn romance with a mix of tropes: black cat x golden retriever, complete with an age gap and forbidden love - a Scottish ex-fiancé’s brother in a kilt 👀?! Yes, please! It’s also set in the Isle of Skye, which is now definitely on my travel list now! 🤩
The banter and tension between Juniper and Callum were everything. You can feel how long Callum has been yearning for her (nearly a decade!!) and the steamy scenes are so hot! 🥵🔥 But what truly made me love this story was Callum. He’s so patient and so understanding. He doesn’t try to fix Juniper; he sees her. Where others left, Callum chose to stay, again and again. Callum makes her feel like she’s the center of his universe. Juniper’s fears of abandonment, of not being enough, of losing the people she loves felt so real and relatable. Watching her slowly open up and allow herself to be loved the way she deserves was so moving.
I think the author did a good job with the emotional tension and deep connection between these characters, and I cannot wait to see what’s next in this series!
Thank you Avon for this eARC via netgalley in exchange for an honest review! I enjoyed it so much!

If you’re a fan of forbidden romance, Scottish charm, and men who yearn with their whole chest, Scotch on the Rocks will ruin you in the best way. After a chance meeting on a train, Callum finds himself helplessly drawn to Juniper—who, unfortunately, happens to be his brother’s fiancée. Years later, after the engagement ends, fate throws them back together in their hometown on the Isle of Skye, where Juniper is helping renovate her late father’s inn. When Callum offers to help, their reluctant partnership quickly turns into something so much more.

Callum is a golden retriever in a kilt, a war vet turned veterinarian, and the definition of down bad. His nickname for Juniper is “Harpy” (and somehow it’s adorable), and his devotion is practically dripping off every page. He’s on his knees for her—figuratively and literally—and the dual POV lets us soak in every aching thought. The tension? Electric. The banter? Sharper than a Scottish broadsword. And the dirty talk? EXQUISITE. I haven’t blushed this hard in ages.

Juniper, our prickly black cat heroine, is snarky, vulnerable, and fiercely guarded. She’s been hurt, abandoned, and refuses to believe anyone will stay—until Callum slowly chips away at her walls with every teasing comment and every tender look. Their growth, both individually and together, made this as emotionally satisfying as it was spicy.

If you loved Whisky Business, prepare to be obsessed. Fletcher has truly leveled up—this book starts with a bang and doesn’t let go. While the pacing dips slightly after that explosive opening, it regains momentum and lands beautifully. The setting of small-town Scotland adds even more warmth and richness to the story (and makes me want to book a trip to the fairy pools immediately).

This book was so tailored to my favorite tropes, it felt like it was written just for me:
✨ Ex-fiancée’s brother
✨ He falls first—and hard
✨ Age gap (8 years)
✨ Black cat x golden retriever dynamic
✨ Dual POV
✨ A+ banter and steam
✨ Emotional healing arcs
✨ Small town, slow burn, and sizzling tension

I devoured it. I adored it. I might reread it immediately.

Big thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins for the ARC—because wow, this book was everything.

Wow! Wow, wow! I absolutely LOVED this book!! I couldn’t put it down.

The scenery depicted for the Isle of Skye is absolutely breathtaking. I fell completely in love with the characters and the village. This was the most perfect slow burn yet spicy romance! 10/10 recommend and I cannot wait to buy a physical copy of the book.

Scotch on the Rocks has a lot of elements that immediately drew me in: an enemies-to-lovers romance, slow-burn tension, and a stunning remote Scottish island setting (I will read almost anything set in Scotland). There is a complicated second-chance romance between a woman and her ex-fiancé’s brother. The banter was sharp, and the humor worked for me (mostly). I especially loved the setting - I'm a sucker for any Scottish setting and a Scottish romance in general.

The dynamic between Juniper and Callum started off strong, and the tension between them had real potential. That said, the emotional development of their relationship struggled as the story progressed. Much of the connection felt rooted in physical attraction rather than a deeper emotional arc. I started to like Callum less and less as the book went on. His long-standing obsession with Juniper, paired with the way he handled the fallout with his brother, left me wishing for more internal conflict or self-awareness. The whole situation felt a bit underexplored. Note: there is another book in this series before this one, but this book can definitely be read as a standalone.

Overall, it’s a fast-paced and entertaining read with witty dialogue and plenty of drama.

This might be for you if you enjoy:
✦family drama
✦ex’s brother
✦forced proximity
✦slow burn
✦small-town

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.
Publication date: July 8th, 2025

🥃Scotch on the Rocks🥃

Thank you @avonbooks for the gifted ARC 🩵

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
📆 pub date: 7/8/25
✍️ author: @elliotfletcherwrites

I loved Elliot Fletcher’s debut, WHISKY BUSINESS, so I couldn’t wait to continue The Macabe Brothers series 🥰

Elliot writes such swoony romance books that easily make their way into your heart ❤️

Callum and June’s banter was amazing 🙌 I loved how they couldn’t help but be drawn to each other. June didn’t stand a chance against The Macabe Brother Rule Book 😂

The writing, the characters, the small town and dual POVs… I had the best time with this story!

🩵 opposites attract
🩵 ex-fiancé’s brother
🩵 black cat / golden retriever
🩵 age gap

A remote, idyllic isle in Scotland… what more could you want for a romance setting 😍 This series is making me want to book a flight 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

I loved getting to see more of April and Mal from book one ☺️ Bring on book 3!!